Sailor hoisted from stricken yacht during storm

A solo sailor had to be plucked from his vessel Thursday in stormy seas off Cornwall, England, after his 22-foot boat was overcome by waves.

The Falmouth Coastguard was notified by the UK Mission Control Centre of a PLB that was transmitting 40 miles south of the Lizard. Officials telephoned the registered contact details for the beacon and spoke to a woman who confirmed that her son had set off last Friday from Plymouth on a 22-foot sailing vessel as part of the Jester Challenge to sail to the Azores.

The weather on scene included strong gales and rough seas.

“The conditions on scene today are not suitable for a small craft such as this and we do advise anyone setting out on the water take heed of weather forecasts and do not make journeys in conditions unsuitable for their vessel,” Falmouth Coastguard watch manager Terry Collins told The Packet news publication.